MSM Geopolitical Reporting for 2026-02-13
Today’s western leaning web coverage of the West vs Russia conflict. Most of these sources are what forms popular opinion in the west regarding geopolitics and conflict in particular.
Why can’t western leaders accept that they have failed in Ukraine?
Wars are won by economies not armies, writes Ian Proud.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 12, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Syria says its forces have taken over al-Tanf base after a handover from the US
Syria’s Defense Ministry says the handover happened in coordination with U.S. troops.
Military – Daily Press
Feb 12, 2026 - dailypress.com
NATO deploys to Greenland to keep Trump onside
The alliance's Arctic Sentry is mostly a rebranding exercise aimed at appeasing the U.S. president — in response to a largely exaggerated threat.
War in Ukraine – POLITICO
Feb 12, 2026 - politico.eu
Tensions between Hungary and Ukraine could lead to a new regional conflict
The Kiev regime could face serious reprisals from Hungary due to recent provocations.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 12, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
How the China-Iran strategic partnership really evolves
Neo-Caligula continues to bet in what could be defined as The Strategy of the Weaponized Debtor.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 12, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Top enlisted leaders say they see no issue with women in combat arms meeting standards
All six men were prompted to weigh in on the increasingly political debate at a Senate hearing this week. The post Top enlisted leaders say they see no issue with women in combat arms meeting standard...
Task & Purpose
Feb 12, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
From Political Illusions to Nuclear Threats: How the West Misjudged Russia
$1 submitted by /u/nako_org_ua
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
This Is The LOCUST Laser That Reportedly Prompted Closing El Paso’s Airspace
The U.S. Army has been acquiring multiple versions of the LOCUST laser weapon system to bolster its ability to shoot down hostile drones. The post This Is The LOCUST Laser That Reportedly Prompted Clo...
The War Zone
Feb 12, 2026 - twz.com
Senator grills senior enlisted leaders about privatized housing NDAs
A prominent senator pressed senior enlisted leaders on non-disclosure agreements troops are asked to sign by privatized military housing companies. The post Senator grills senior enlisted leaders abou...
Task & Purpose
Feb 12, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
2 US Navy ships collide in the Caribbean, leaving 2 sailors with minor injuries
Navy ships deployed as part of the Trump administration's military buildup in the Caribbean collided.
Military – Daily Press
Feb 12, 2026 - dailypress.com
Swedish deputy PM: European leaders must ‘toughen up,’ stop waiting for Brussels, US
If member countries take the initiative in certain areas, it would make the EU more agile and less bureaucratic, Ebba Busch says.
War in Ukraine – POLITICO
Feb 12, 2026 - politico.eu
Zelensky responded to the IOC banning Vladyslav Heraskevych from participating in the competition.
$1 submitted by /u/Kikyo0218
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Russia Strikes Ukraine Overnight As Zelenskyy Denies Plans For Elections On War Anniversary
Russian forces launched overnight ballistic missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed reports that elections or a referendum on territori...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 12, 2026 - rferl.org
Ukrainian-made 'Flamingo' cruise missiles strike major Russian missile storage arsenal, General Staff confirms
Ukrainian drones struck a Russian military plant in Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast, and a Defense Ministry site in Kotluban, Volgograd Oblast, overnight on Feb. 11-12, independent media and local authoriti...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
No 'Divorce': A Year After 'Provocative' Vance Speech, What Will Be Rubio's Message In Munich?
Last year at the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance shocked his hosts with a speech voicing sharp criticism of Washington’s NATO allies. This year, Russia and China will be watchin...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 12, 2026 - rferl.org
U.S. holds secret indictment of Delcy Rodriguez, top opposition journo claims
A US-funded opposition journalist revealed the Trump DOJ has crafted a secret indictment of Venezuela’s Acting President to “hold it over her head,” and will execute it if she “derails.”
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 12, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Ukraine war latest: SBU claims new 'range record' with drone strike on Russian oil refinery in Komi Republic
Key developments on Feb. 12'A new range record'— Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery in Russia's Komi Republic, SBU source says'Do not deprive us' — Russian soldiers, milbloggers furious at Putin ove...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
The military really wants people to stop trespassing on its test range in the desert
Trespassers mostly happen upon the range while off-roading, but officials warned that they could step on an abandoned ordnance or be blinded by high-tech lasers. The post The military really wants peo...
Task & Purpose
Feb 12, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
Virginia Supreme Court rules US Marine’s adoption of an Afghan war orphan will stand
The decision likely ends a bitter, yearslong legal battle over the girl’s fate.
Military – Daily Press
Feb 12, 2026 - dailypress.com
New US Sanctions Bill Aims To Choke Off Kremlin Oil Revenue
US lawmakers have unveiled a bipartisan bill to tighten sanctions on Russia’s oil trade, targeting foreign buyers and “shadow fleet” loopholes to curb Kremlin revenue and increase leverage in any Ukra...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 12, 2026 - rferl.org
Massive Russian Drone Strikes Hit Dnipro, Odesa
Russia fired a massive wave of drones at Ukrainian cities in the early morning of February 12 as part of a nationwide attack on energy facilities that killed at least two people in eastern Ukraine.
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 12, 2026 - rferl.org
'Do not deprive us' — Russian soldiers, milbloggers furious at Putin over Telegram ban
For many Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, Telegram is not just a social network — it is a core operational tool.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Russia targets Kyiv, Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles as Moscow stalls on peace talks
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the ballistic missiles were targeting the city's infrastructure facilities.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
From drone pilot to combat medic: The stories of 4 women killed fighting Russia
Ukraine is still mourning Lana Chornohorska, a 26-year-old drone pilot beloved by many as a "catalyst" in art and cultural activism who never seemed to run out of energy.Chornohorska, who went by her ...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Independent documentary ‘Can You Hear Me?’ to screen in Europe on anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion
A documentary by The Kyiv Independent about Ukrainian military medics working on the front lines of Russia’s war will be screened in three European capitals in February, marking the fourth anniversary...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
These Ukrainian Drones Don’t Just Kill. They Deliver Oatmeal Cookies.
In a war where drones are synonymous with destruction, some are also used to drop care packages to Ukraine’s frontline soldiers.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 12, 2026 - nytimes.com
EU loans-for-weapons scheme gets political in Poland
The Polish president and prime minister are at each other's throats over a plan to pump billions into Polish defense.
War in Ukraine – POLITICO
Feb 12, 2026 - politico.eu
The 3rd Assault Brigade's Anti-Aircraft Missile Division thanks the Wild Hornets international community and Violaset orchestra for 20 Queen Hornets drones funded in our recent raffle and Xmas concerts. Two "VIOLASET" Queens are shown—18 more are en route.
$1 submitted by /u/AlexRoslin
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian Olympian Disqualified Over Helmet Honoring Athletes Killed In War
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified at the 2026 Winter Olympics after refusing to remove a helmet honoring athletes killed in Russia's war on Ukraine, which features portra...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 12, 2026 - rferl.org
Investigation reveals Israel ‘evaporated’ nearly 3,000 Palestinians with thermal weapons in Gaza
“We found nothing of Saad. Not even a body to bury. That was the hardest part.”
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 12, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Oltre il materialismo: la Cina nei suoi principi e l’armonia del futuro condiviso
Prima o poi, l'Occidente dovrà riconoscere che il nuovo ordine multipolare non è stato creato per competere con l'Occidente, ma per fermare la sua corsa che rischiava di trascinare il mondo nell'abiss...
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 12, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
UK to provide additional £500 million for Ukraine’s air defense
The funding comes as Russia continues large-scale missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
'A new range record'— Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery in Russia's Komi Republic, SBU source says
Following the strike, a fire and heavy smoke were reported at the facility.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Five reasons Trump’s plan for Ukrainian elections and a peace referendum will only prolong the war
The US president’s plan for Ukraine looks far-fetched and one-sided – but it might buy Volodymyr Zelensky and his allies valuable time.
Ukraine invasion 2022 – The Conversation
Feb 12, 2026 - theconversation.com
War in Ukraine today: latest news, 12 February 2026 (photo)
It has been the 1450 th day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression. What happened in Ukraine today: Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 4 pm: The en...
News - Ukrainian Women's Guard
Feb 12, 2026 - uavarta.org
Judge blocks Pentagon from punishing Sen. Mark Kelly for call to resist unlawful orders
The judge ruled Pentagon officials have violated Kelly’s First Amendment free speech rights.
Military – Daily Press
Feb 12, 2026 - dailypress.com
Russian soldier trying to install an antenna, most likely due to Starlink restrictions, caught and struck by Ukrainian FPV drone. UAV Battalion, 3rd Assault Brigade. Kharkiv Oblast. Published 12.02.2026
submitted by /u/GermanDronePilot
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
'A new range record'— Ukrainian drones strike oil refinery in Russia's Komi Republic, SBU source says
submitted by /u/AdSpecialist6598
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian alpine skier displayed a note reading “Ukrainian heroes with us” after competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics
$1 submitted by /u/KI_official
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
An IDP rescuing a "furry IDP": After 7 months on the street, Sky survived a night of heavy ballistic attacks in his new home. Today, he wagged his tail for the first time.
$1 submitted by /u/Honest_Company6635
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukraine Secures Almost $38B in Fresh Ramstein Aid, Focused on Air Defense and Drones
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Sweden Joins NATO’s ‘Arctic Sentry’ Mission to Greenland With Gripen Fighter Jets
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian Skeleton Athlete Disqualified From Olympics Over Helmet Dispute
Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton pilot, will not be allowed to compete in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games after refusing to comply with guidelines of the International Olympic ...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 12, 2026 - rferl.org
Guns Or Cucumbers: The Kremlin's Wartime Economy Steers Into Serious Crosscurrents
On the verge of its fifth year of the Ukraine war, the Kremlin is fighting another stubborn enemy at home: high consumer prices and rising unhappiness among average Russians. The government wants to b...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 12, 2026 - rferl.org
Destroyer USS Truxton Collides With Support Ship During At-Sea Resupply
The accident involving the Arleigh Burke class destroyer and the supply ship occurred yesterday during an underway replenishment operation in the Caribbean. The post Destroyer USS Truxton Collides W...
The War Zone
Feb 12, 2026 - twz.com
Ukrainian cyber team disrupts Russian Starlink activation scheme
A Ukrainian hacktivist group known as “256 Cyber Assault Division,” working alongside OSINT organizations InformNapalm and MILITANT, announced it conducted a counter-operation targeting Russian effort...
War in Ukraine – Defence Blog – Military and Defense News
Feb 12, 2026 - defence-blog.com
Can Ukraine survive without the US — and can Europe fill the gap?
Since Donald Trump's return to office, Kyiv and its European allies have shared one overriding fear: a full U.S. withdrawal from the war effort.Washington remains a supplier of hard-to-replace militar...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 12, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Will These Four Defense Innovation Reforms Improve Industry’s Lot?
When everyone is accountable, who is actually responsible?I can’t help but think of this question as I consider the flurry of new top-down activity on acquisition reform and modernization. In January ...
War on the Rocks
Feb 12, 2026 - warontherocks.com
Marine vanishes after falling off USS Iwo Jima in Caribbean, officials say
Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah was declared lost at sea on Tuesday.
Military – Daily Press
Feb 12, 2026 - dailypress.com
Zelenskyy hits out after Olympics bars Ukrainian racer
Vladyslav Heraskevych wanted to wear helmet honouring compatriots killed in war during skeleton event
War in Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - ft.com
The Disappearing Act by Maria Stepanova — from the belly of the beast
A celebrated Russian author in exile turns to fiction to navigate the physical and psychological fallout of one’s home country waging war against its neighbour
War in Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - ft.com
Footage of a Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile launch salvo last night, with at least a half dozen of the massive missiles seen heading out to hit the Russian GRAU Arsenal at Kotluban. Published 12.02.2026
submitted by /u/GermanDronePilot
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Komi Republic, more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.
submitted by /u/UNITED24Media
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Britain Rushes 1,000 Supersonic Missiles to Shield Ukraine From Russian Strikes
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Zelensky: "I am thinking about running for a 2nd term"
submitted by /u/throwawayua666
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian FP-5 Flamingo Missile Strike Hits Key Russian GRAU Arsenal
submitted by /u/UNITED24Media
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
“Sport Doesn’t Mean Amnesia“: Zelenskyy Criticizes IOC Over Disqualification of Ukrainian Olympian Heraskevych
submitted by /u/UNITED24Media
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian drone strike paralyzes Russia's Volgograd oil refinery, Reuters reports
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Six FP-5 “Flamingo” Cruise Missiles Launched at Russian 117th GRAU Arsenal
submitted by /u/No-Meal2561
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian star disqualified from Winter Olympics over helmet honoring war dead
submitted by /u/WillyNilly1997
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Zelensky Makes His Pitch to Trump: Ukraine’s president calls on his most powerful ally not to squander the chance to make peace
submitted by /u/Flimsy_Pudding1362
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Sanctions Strand Half-Month Supply of Russian Crude on Tankers Worldwide
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Zelensky Makes His Pitch to Trump
submitted by /u/theatlantic
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 12, 2026 - reddit.com
Do fascismo ao neoliberalismo e de volta ao fascismo
O acirramento da luta de classes e a movimentação ascendente da classe operária obrigam a burguesia a pensar cada vez com maior seriedade no fascismo como alternativa à revolução.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 12, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
La centralità di Pechino nel 2026: diplomazia, mercato e nuova architettura delle relazioni internazionali
Le visite di inizio 2026 mostrano una tendenza chiara: governi di aree politiche diverse cercano in Cina mercati, stabilità e interlocuzione strategica. Si tratta di un segnale di una riconfigurazione...
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 12, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Second Carrier Strike Group Ordered To Spin-Up For Deployment To Middle East: Report
A second carrier group would provide additional tactical airpower for a sustained operation against Iran, but it wouldn't arrive for weeks at the earliest. The post Second Carrier Strike Group Ordere...
The War Zone
Feb 11, 2026 - twz.com
Ukraine isn’t counterattacking to win ground. It’s racing to fortify before 715,000 Russians attack
With the Russian cut off from Starlink, the Ukrainians have the edge for now. Instead of attempting a risky counteroffensive, Ukrainian troops in the southeast are fighting to firm up their defenses.
Russo-Ukrainian war 2022-2026 news - Euromaidan Press
Feb 11, 2026 - euromaidanpress.com
USAF Ready To Make All B-52s Nuclear-Capable, Load ICBMs With Multiple Warheads If Directed
The end of New START treaty has left the U.S. nuclear arsenal unbounded for the first time in decades. The post USAF Ready To Make All B-52s Nuclear-Capable, Load ICBMs With Multiple Warheads If Direc...
The War Zone
Feb 11, 2026 - twz.com
Satellite Imagery Points To Possible Russian Oreshnik Missile Site In Belarus
A fresh satellite image obtained by RFE/RL shows that the development of a military installation is proceeding apace at a former Soviet airfield in Belarus. The image shows what may be vehicles from a...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 11, 2026 - rferl.org
NATO Ministers Seek Unity As Arctic Security And Spending Targets Come Into Focus
NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels to mend transatlantic strains and map out how all 32 allies will meet a 5 percent defense spending goal by 2035, as Arctic security, Greenland tensions, ...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 11, 2026 - rferl.org
War in Ukraine today: latest news, 11 February 2026 (photo)
It has been the 1449 th day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression. What happened in Ukraine today: Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 4 pm: Sinc...
News - Ukrainian Women's Guard
Feb 11, 2026 - uavarta.org
Why Russia’s Export Failures Matter For India
In 2022, Vasabjit Banerjee and Benjamin Tkach wrote, “After Ukraine, Where Will India Buy Its Weapons,” where they explore India’s various defense systems acquisition relationships. Four years later, ...
War on the Rocks
Feb 11, 2026 - warontherocks.com
Wait the minute, is that Windows 7?
CASC Rainbow (Caihong) CA‑5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were reportedly deployed to Ain al‑Asad Air Base alongside General Abdulamir Rashid Yarallah. What really caught my attention was the active ...
China Defense Blog
Feb 11, 2026 - china-defense.blogspot.com
New details, timeline emerge for $450 million Newport News Navy housing project
A 1 million-square-foot project will replace Huntington Hall with new Navy housing for roughly 1,500 sailors and transform downtown Newport News. The parking garage is scheduled to be completed in sum...
Military – Daily Press
Feb 11, 2026 - dailypress.com
Democratic senators decry indictment attempt, warning it ‘could break this institution’
Sen. Chris Murphy called it a 'test for the Senate' that 'could break this institution permanently.'